Topman? Comme des Garcons, please!
IAN SIMMONS
Gone to Croatoan
Science Centre - www.techniquest.org
Forteana - www.forteantimes.com
Sound Reviews and Science Writing - www.nthposition.com
I think government grants should be available to tackle the image problem
scientists have. These would cover:
-free haircuts and Head and Shoulders shampoo
-Topshop/Topman vouchers
-free contact lenses all round
-elocution lessons
Seriously though- how can we improve the public perception of scientists?
Kat
Dr. Katharine L. Arney
Lymphocyte Development Group
MRC Clinical Sciences Centre
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
Hammersmith Hospital Campus
Du Cane Road
LONDON W12 0NN
"I have not failed, I have merely found 10,000 ways which do not work"
Thomas Edison
----- Original Message -----
From: "Philip Strange" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
psci-com is nothing if not entertaining!
is a "boffins special" the best that we can do for scientists - your
definition of a boffin encapsulates the problem we have with image,
perpetuated by crass programmes like the Weakest Link - it all adds to the
mistrust of scientists and their advice - surely there is a better way to
present the profession
anyway it clashes with Neighbours
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of MadeleineShepherd
Sent: 03 December 2003 22:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
But irony is easily lost in email and if it was a straightforward question
it deserved a straight answer.
If it was ironic, I'm sorry for being such a pedant - I should have been an
academic! [irony - honest!]
I like the idea of reclaiming "boffin" - Tell us more, Jo.
Madeleine
----- Original Message -----
From: "MK" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 2:25 PM
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
Perhaps the questioner was being ironic.
The only people who use the word boffin are thick brained and lazy news
editors. It is a sure fire way of pissing off many scientists.
MK
======================
Michael Kenward
ABSW e-minder
http://www.absw.org.uk
________________________________
From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Madeleine Shepherd
Sent: 02 December 2003 12:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
A Boffin is a particular stereotype of the scientist that arose in post WW2
Britain - a obsessed, withdrawn individual but "on our side" - Not nearly as
bad a the "Mad Scientist"
see this article
http://ej.iop.org/links/q40/uJHQm5V2CYpl6D7qK1YBfw/pu7103.pdf
or the recent book "The Backroom Boys" by Francis Spufford
> Message date : Dec 02 2003, 11:32 AM
> From : Philip Strange
> To : [log in to unmask]
> Copy to :
> Subject : Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
>
what is a boffin?
> Philip
Madeleine Shepherd
Science Communicator & Photographer
[log in to unmask]
http://www.tapirland.co.uk
Freeserve AnyTime - HALF PRICE for the first 3 months - Save £7.50 a month
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